Aggressive, Non-Surgical, Medical Weight Loss Using Very Low Calorie Diets: What Does The Research Show?

At the Center for Nutrition and Preventive Medicine, we use a “multi-dimensional” approach to weight loss. In other words, we donʼt rely on just one single treatment strategy. I believe that weight loss and maintenance is too difficult to “put all your eggs in one basket”. So, for initial weight loss we use structured, aggressive diets, along with appetite and craving control methods, metabolism optimization, activity enhancement, and optimal nutrient intake in the context of individualized patient support. After more than 14 years of patient experience, Iʼm convinced this comprehensive approach is the most effective and sensible treatment plan to manage weight problems.

Most research studies, however, look at only one single treatment for a limited period of time. Since one of the weight loss diets we often utilize is the medical treatment known as the Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD), letʼs review some of the research data and commentary on this particular strategy both from our office and from the literature.

Should you consider HCG for weight loss? A bariatric physician answers common questions…

Rick Tague, M.D., M.P.H., a board-certified bariatric physician, is often asked about the safety and effectiveness of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) as he prescribes weight loss and nutrition plans for his patients at the Center for Nutrition and Preventive Medicine offices in Leawood and Topeka.

“HCG injections have been a part of fad diets on and off since the 1950’s and recently re-surfaced in the media,” said Tague. “As an unproven therapy, we never recommend the use of HCG as part of a weight loss program.”

Make your Body Last a Lifetime: Ten Steps Toward Health

Health is a precious commodity. Too often, however, we don’t realize its value until it is slipping away from us. When I worked as an emergency medicine physician, I saw firsthand just how quickly and easily one’s health and life can be taken away. Accidents, injuries, and serious illnesses too often snatch health out of the hands of ordinary, well-intentioned people. Can we always prevent accidents and disease? No. But, can we dramatically improve our chances? An emphatic yes!

Interesting research on longevity has shown that Okinawa, Japan and Loma Linda, California have 2 of the highest rates of long life spans in the world. A city in Japan makes sense with eating more traditional diets with lots of fish, rice, and drinking green tea. But why Loma Linda? The answer is the number of 7th Day Adventists. You see, Loma Linda is home to many Adventists who, for example, don’t smoke, and they consume lots of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. In fact, 7th Day Adventists, on average, live 7 years longer than a typical Californian, extending life span from a typical 78 years to 85 years. Fewer cases of heart disease, cancer, and strokes are some of the additional benefits.

Obesity: Causes, Consequences and Current Treatment Benefits

Why do people, in fact, become overweight? Although no one can argue the fact that it boils down to consuming more calories than what a person needs for basic existence, it is a very complex issue. There are approximately 45 different mechanisms in the human body that help regulate body weight. We’ve boiled it down to the above areas of influence on body weight. How strongly each of these influence one’s weight control mechanisms will determine how much we will weigh.

Along with this, we have unfortunately some long held beliefs in America about why some people are overweight. I have labeled these as “common myths in America” regarding the cause of obesity. As you read the following I believe you will agree that these are underlying thoughts that we’re led to believe in America.